Easy Chair Covers

Try these tips for dressing up dining-room chairs for parties or just for kicks.

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TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham provides ideas for giving ordinary dining-room chairs a whole new look with easy-to-make chair covers made from leftover fabrics, pillowcases and even T-shirts. These covers are a great way to protect chairs before hosting parties, too!

Figure A

Here's a great idea for making a no-sew chair cover that can be used to protect chairs before a party--such as a child's birthday party--or to just add a quick new look to dining-room table chairs. First measure the back of the chair, from the top of the chair to just short of the floor.

Measure the front, starting at the top and going down to the seat cushion, then measure along the seat and down to the floor, including the length of the legs. Add all measurements together, allowing 1-1/2 inches for seam allowance. Measure the width of the chair as well, and cut a piece of fabric accordingly.

Make hems on the edges of the cover by turning the edges of the fabric under and securing with fabric glue. Glue a piece of ribbon on the slipcover. Position the cover and secure to the chair with the ribbons.

Figure B

Slip large pillowcases over the backs of chairs to make instant slipcovers.

Figure C

T-shirts also work great as chair covers for an informal dinner party. Use a variety of colored T-shirts to cover stackable or folding chairs, and create a fun atmosphere for a garden party.

Figure D

Take a piece of satin material, tie a decorative bow in the middle and slip over the back of a chair. This is a beautiful way to adorn chairs for a wedding party.